Macromastia, or breast hypertrophy, is the condition of having excessively large breasts relative to a person’s body size. If you are a woman with large breasts, you know they can result in physical discomfort and even emotional distress. If your large breasts cause these problems, it is termed symptomatic macromastia.
This condition impacts women’s quality of life due to the associated pain, postural problems, and even psychological issues stemming from body image concerns or unwanted attention. Luckily, there are options for improving your quality of life if you suffer from symptomatic macromastia.
Signs of Symptomatic Macromastia
Because of the extra weight associated and the additional pull of the tissue affecting how women stand and move, there are many musculoskeletal and skin conditions associated with having large breasts. Some of the most common problems we hear from women are listed in the table below.
Signs and Symptoms of Macromastia | |
|---|---|
Problem | Cause |
The weight of the breasts can cause strain on the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in these areas. | |
Bra straps can dig into your shoulders, leading to discomfort and sometimes even nerve pain. | |
Poor Posture | Poor posture develops as individuals adjust to accommodate the extra breast weight, leading to a hunched stature and spine problems. |
Chronic rashes or infections under the breast folds occur due to moisture buildup and skin rubbing together. | |
Numbness | Compression of nerves from shoulder strain may lead to numbness in upper limbs, arms, and fingers. |
Difficulty with Physical Activity | Large breasts may restrict movement and cause discomfort during exercises like running, bending, and lifting. |
Breathing Issues | With excessively large breasts, the chest wall movements can be restricted, leading to shortness of breath. |
Emotional or Psychological Distress | Anxiety, depression, and body image issues may arise due to unwanted attention or difficulty finding clothing that fits comfortably. |
Symptomatic macromastia is often not just about aesthetics and body image but about physical well-being and overall health. The disproportionate weight can lead to chronic discomfort and, in some cases, disability. Depending on the size of your breasts and the problems you’re having, there can be different treatment options to help you feel and look your best.
Treatment Options for Symptomatic Macromastia
Symptomatic macromastia can be managed through both conservative and surgical approaches. Your choice of treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms, your overall health, and your personal goals.
Different Treatments for Symptomatic Macromastia | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Option | What it Means | Pros | Cons |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Breast Reduction Surgery for Symptomatic Macromastia
For individuals with moderate to severe symptomatic macromastia, breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammoplasty, is often the most effective treatment option. This surgery involves removing extra fat, glandular tissue, and skin, reducing breast size, and improving breast shape. Women who undergo this surgery have told us they experience significant relief from physical symptoms, have instantly better posture, and have improved confidence. However, it is important to consider the risks, including scarring, loss of sensation, and potential complications related to surgery. Consulting with a plastic surgeon can help you understand the benefits and risks of breast reduction surgery based on your unique anatomy and personal goals.
Getting insurance to cover breast reduction surgery for symptomatic macromastia often requires thorough documentation of the physical symptoms and their impact on daily life. Most insurance companies require evidence that conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, pain management, or posture devices, have been attempted without success.
An expert plastic surgeon can help you through this process by providing detailed medical assessments, including photographs and measurements of breast size and the weight of tissue to be removed, along with medical records documenting chronic pain, skin irritation, or other health issues caused by macromastia. By collaborating with the surgeon and presenting comprehensive medical justifications, You will increase your chances of having the procedure deemed medically necessary and covered by insurance, alleviating both the financial and physical burden.
Get Relief from your Symptomatic Macromastia with Harris Plastic Surgery
Symptomatic macromastia can significantly affect your quality of life due to its impact on your posture, movements, and emotional well-being. While non-surgical treatments may offer temporary relief, breast reduction surgery is often the most effective long-term solution for women with severe symptoms. You should carefully weigh the pros and cons of each treatment option with the guidance of an expert breast reduction surgeon, like Dr. Harris, to determine which approach will be best to get you the relief you need to start living your best life.
Harris Plastic Surgery - Your Breast Reconstruction Experts
If you suffer from symptomatic macromastia and are ready to make a positive change in your life and health, schedule your consultation today. Or contact us online or by phone/text if you have any additional questions for our team.
Stephen U. Harris, MD FACS
Dr. Stephen U. Harris is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon and recognized expert in breast reduction and reconstruction surgeries, having performed thousands in his career. When it comes to patient care, his philosophy is that every surgery should improve his patient’s overall quality of life, not just their appearance. Dr. Harris stays up-to-date on all the latest advancements in breast augmentation, reconstruction, and reduction and is a recognized innovator in the field. In fact, he was the first surgeon at Good Samaritan Hospital to offer primary prepectoral implant breast reconstruction, as well as secondary prepectoral revision surgery.
Dr. Harris also serves as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, New York and is an active staff surgeon (and former Chief of Plastic Surgery) at South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore, New York.